Mercedes-Benz Vito Review

The Mercedes-Benz Vito at a glance

With its first generation first released in 1997, and having been on the market in its current form since 2015, it’s safe to say that the Mercedes-Benz Vito has established itself as a key contender on the medium-sized van market in the UK. This is partly down to the fact that the vehicle is based on a platform that is unique to the brand, meaning that you won’t find another manufacturer selling essentially the same van under a different name. This is just one of the reasons why the Vito manages to stand out from its competitors.

On top of this, a particularly significant facelift in 2020 saw the addition of more length options and a new fuel efficient engine, making the Vito a cost-effective and versatile choice for many different kinds of commercial applications.

To find out more about what the Vito range has to offer you and your business, keep reading.

Engines and Spec

One particularly appealing feature of the Vito is the level of customisation and versatility available. As of 2023, the Vito range currently comprises several different models, including a panel van, a crew van, a Tourer van and an electric variant. While the panel van is ideal for tradespeople who frequently make long-distance journeys whilst carrying heavy equipment and materials, the crew van has additional seating which makes it great for transporting your whole team efficiently from A to B.

On top of the various models on offer, as mentioned above, the Vito van now comes with a choice of several different body lengths: L1, L2 and L3. When combining this with the fact that the Vito is the only mid-size van available with a choice of front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive means that there is almost certainly a Vito model to meet your requirements.

And the tailoring doesn’t stop there. Taking a look beneath the bonnet of the Vito, drivers of the FWD model will find a 1.6-litre diesel engine, whereas the RWD version is fitted with a 2.1-litre diesel engine. Whilst both of these options are powerful in their own right, the RWD model is really where the Vito shines performance-wise, with a noticeable increase in torque – making it much more adept at shifting hefty loads before you even consider the additional traction offered by the rear-wheel drive layout. As such, tradespeople who need to be able to rush between different jobs quickly are sure to be impressed with how capable the Vito is at performing zippy manoeuvres.

Interior

The Vito’s interior was yet another area that underwent an upgrade in the most recent facelift, offering a high-end, comfortable feel whilst still retaining the simplistic ethos of previous generations.

Taking a seat inside the cab, drivers and passengers alike will be pleased to find just how comfortable the Vito is to sit in. This is down to the use of Mercedes’ hardwearing Caluma fabric, which can even be upgraded to leatherette upholstery for less maintenance and a more sleek appeal. Combining this with the well-balanced suspension and comfortable driving position means that long-distance jaunts in the Vito are often an absolute breeze.

Tech-wise, there is a 7” Audio 30 display screen which is connected to a reversing camera, allowing you to safely park and manoeuvre more easily – something that is often more difficult to achieve in a mid-size van – as well as see any obstacles or pedestrians that otherwise may be obstructed from your view. The only downside is the Vito’s noticeable lack of DAB radio, as well as some other smaller creature comforts that we’ve come to expect in today’s modern vans.

Much like many of its other features, the Vito’s payload capacity tends to vary between specifications. The panel van, for example, is impressive across the board: 1,029kg for L1, 1,002kg for L2 and 967kg for L3. Professionals in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, brickwork and decorators will likely find any of these payloads more than sufficient for transporting heavy tools and supplies.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-end feel

• Great value for money

• Long-distance comfort

Cons

• Competitors offer high payloads

• Cramped cabin

• Lacking in creature comforts

The Verdict

With an abundance of practical features and plenty of load space, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is ideal for tradespeople in a variety of industries – including electricians, plumbers, couriers and more – or even for use as a van conversion. With so many customisable features, the possibilities are endless!

If you’d like to find out more about why the Mercedes-Benz Vito is the right fit for you, Van Sales UK can help. We stock panel van and crew van variants of the Vito at highly competitive prices. Whether you’re looking for a singular van or a fleet for your business, we offer a wide range of finance packages to suit your needs, alongside a generous manufacturer’s warranty and free UK delivery with every purchase. For more information, please get in touch.